Facts on Elder Abuse

 

Did you know that:

• There are 1.01 million reported cases of elder abuse in the United States.

• Most recent data say there are about 570,000 cases of elder abuse reported each year but it is estimated that for every case reported, five are not.

• Median age of victims is almost 78 years.

• Neglect is the most common form of elder maltreatment – 55 percent of cases.

 Who are the Abusers?

• Adult children are the most frequent abusers of the elderly (32.6%), followed by other family members.

 Who are the Victims?

• Two of every three elder abuse victims are women.

 In Westchester:

It is estimated that 15% of people over 60 are victims of abuse in Westchester County.

There were 282 more referrals for elder abuse to the Westchester County Department of Adult Protective Services in 2003 than in 2000. (1,496 referrals in 2000 and 1,778 in 2003)